Running a commercial food operation successfully often requires years of experience, training and the ability to master several tasks simultaneously. Food storage, preparation, presentation and, ultimately consumption are all dependent not only on your skills but on the effective and proper operation and maintenance of your commercial refrigeration and food equipment.
Any disruption can prove costly on multiple fronts. Unsafe food, unhappy customers, increased food cost, loss of revenue and reputation, or worse. Having a highly skilled, reputable and reliable commercial refrigeration and food equipment service provider is a critical piece in the success equation.
As a leading service provider with over 30 years of commercial refrigeration and food equipment industry experience, Joe Warren from Joe Warren and Sons offers some advice on the 5 things customers should look for when selecting a commercial refrigeration and food equipment vendor.
Service Offerings
Often times a commercial kitchen owner and/or operator does not have the time, expertise or resources to service or fix broken equipment or, to call on multiple vendors depending on the need. That’s why there are both time and economic efficiencies by using a vendor that offers a broad level of services and expertise across your kitchen, from hot-side to cold-side. You can save on trip charges, return charges and maximize technician on site time. Look for a provider that offers everything you need to open your kitchen and KEEP IT OPEN! Seek out companies that staff technicians who are cross-trained to repair all types of equipment (and brands) in your kitchen.
Dependability and Equipment Knowledge
It’s important to work with a company that has a proven track record and reputable name within the industry. Although important, it takes more than meeting time commitments and returning phone calls. Dependability and equipment knowledge are vital. It starts with properly trained and certified service personnel. As your equipment and service needs change look for a long-term partner who can keep pace, stay on top of industry, technology and equipment trends and changes so that they continue to meet your needs.
24/7/365 Availability for Emergency Services
The worst-case scenario for a commercial food operator is to have equipment break down during the middle of a busy shift or during holidays and weekends. Every minute your kitchen equipment it down its costing you money. Working with a vendor that is available to provide service 24/7/365 emergency services is an essential factor for deciding which company to partner with.
A good way to help avoid potential equipment breakdown is to engage in a PM (preventive maintenance) Program, which provides regularly scheduled maintenance visits. PM programs also help extend the operational life of your commercial food and refrigeration equipment.
Location
When your commercial refrigeration and food equipment is down you want a fast and reliable response from your service provider. As mentioned above, any disruption can prove costly on multiple fronts. Unsafe food, unhappy customers, increased food cost, loss of revenue and reputation, or worse. Look for a provider that is based in your regional area. Typically, they can respond faster and know the local network of suppliers and other trade vendors. Often times, the owners of these businesses are not only stakeholders of the business – but key employees, working in the trenches every day, ensuring their customers are being taken care of and the business is exceeding customer expectations.
Customer Satisfaction
There are many service providers from which to choose. When determining which one is right for you, remember, all things being equal, often, the biggest differentiator amongst them is customer service and customer satisfaction. You want to work with a company that is reputable, has a proven track record and is responsive to your needs. Check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) pages of the companies and build a short list of candidates. BBB pages include customer complaints, and equally important, the steps taken by a company to resolve disputes. A good rule of thumb is to only consider companies that have earned the highly coveted rating of A+ from the BBB.
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